List education with the degree, field of study, institution, location and graduation year, most recent first. Put it above experience if you are a student or recent graduate, and below it once you have relevant work history. Add GPA only if it is strong, honours and relevant coursework if they help, and write "Expected [year]" for a degree in progress.
What to include in the education section
| Item | Include? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Degree and field | Always | BSc Mechanical Engineering |
| Institution and location | Always | [University], [City] |
| Graduation year | Yes; optional after 10+ years | 2024 or Expected 2026 |
| GPA or grade | Only if strong (for example 3.5/4 or First Class) | GPA 3.7/4.0 |
| Honours, awards | If relevant | Dean's List (4 semesters) |
| Relevant coursework | Students and graduates | Data Structures, Statistics |
| High school | Only if it is your highest level | [School], Diploma, 2023 |
Where does education go on a resume?
Students, recent graduates and career changers with a new degree should put education first, because it is their strongest evidence. Everyone else puts experience first and education after it.
10 education section examples
Standard degree (fictional)
BA Economics — [University], [City] — 2022
Degree in progress (fictional)
BSc Computer Science — [University] — Expected May 2026 · Relevant coursework: Algorithms, Databases, Web Development
With GPA and honours (fictional)
BBA Finance — [University] — 2024 · GPA 3.8/4.0 · Dean's List, 6 semesters
Unfinished degree (fictional)
Coursework toward BSc Nursing — [University] — 2021–2023 (completed 90 credits)
High school only (fictional)
High School Diploma — [School], [City] — 2025 · Student council treasurer
Multiple degrees (fictional)
MSc Data Science — [University] — 2025 | BSc Mathematics — [University] — 2023
Study abroad (fictional)
Exchange semester, Business — [University], [Country] — Spring 2024
Vocational qualification (fictional)
Diploma in Electrical Installation — [College] — 2023 · Licensed electrician: [licence, only if held]
Bootcamp or online programme (fictional)
Data Analytics Certificate — [Provider] — 2025 · 6 months, 4 portfolio projects
Old degree, experienced candidate (fictional)
MBA — [University] · BSc Chemistry — [University]
How to list an unfinished degree honestly
Say what you completed without implying you graduated: "Coursework toward [degree]" or "[Degree] studies, 2021–2023". Many employers verify degrees, and writing a degree you did not finish is a common reason offers are withdrawn.
Certificates and courses: education or separate section?
Put short courses and certifications in a separate Certifications section, unless they are your main qualification. Include the issuer and the year so they can be checked.
- How do I write educational background on a resume?
- Degree, field, institution, city and year, most recent first, plus GPA or honours if they help.
- Should I include high school on my resume?
- Only if it is your highest level of education or you are still in school.
- How do I list a degree I am still studying for?
- Write "Expected [month year]" after the degree.
- Do I need graduation dates?
- Students should include them; with 10+ years of experience they are optional.
For students, see graduate CV with no experience and the resume format for freshers.
